Frederick County To Receive Money From CARES Act

It will be used to help in the fight against COVID-19.

 

Frederick,Md (KM) A substantial amount of federal money is coming to Frederick County. During a budget presentation to the County Council Tuesday night, Chief Administrative Officer Rick Harcum announced that $2.3-billion has been aside for Maryland under the CARES Act. Out of that amount, $45.3-million is coming to Frederick County.   The money will be used in the fight against COVID-19.

“The state is setting this up basically in two tranches for us to access,” Harcum says. “The first is for emergency reaction, things we had to do, everything from  disinfecting to to just responses.”

He also says this money could be used to provide financial assistance to the local Health Department, and the purchase of personal protective equipment, such as  masks, gloves, gowns and other equipment used by first responders and medical professionals.

“We owe a business plan to the state by the end of the week,” says Harcum. “On Friday, we have to submit this to the Division of Budget and Management. Once that’s approved, we can begin accessing these funds.”

The CARES Act, known as the Coronoavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, was passed by Congress last month, and shortly thereafter signed into law by the President. The $2.2-trillion package provides a wide range of relief to citizens and businesses hit hard by the economic downturn resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.

The County Council is scheduled to hold an all-day workshop on Thursday the County Executive’s proposed fiscal year 2021 budget.

 

By Kevin McManus